"I am serious. You ask me to sign a petition to change the solid principles on which the eternal order of events is founded; and I respectfully decline to do so, Mr. Beckwith. In other words, not for Joseph."
"But you don't understand the matter, Scott."
"You cast an imputation upon my perceptive faculties."
"Nothing of the sort. You talk so fast that you won't hear what I have to say."
"You say that the captain of this noble ship must either be selected or be chosen from the cabin officers. Am I right?"
"You are."
"I am not the captain of the ship this month; neither have I the honor to be one of the cabin officers; ergo I cannot be elected captain for the month of June next ensuing."
"You are certainly right; but—"
"Then I understand the matter perfectly; and this movement is a conspiracy to prevent me from being captain next month. I deserve to be captain, and I respectfully submit that this is my inalienable right, inherent in the contract under which I was sent to school. I object, I protest, I denounce the vile scheme as a compact with infamy. By the way, Beckwith, I didn't think you would treat me in this unhandsome manner. We were always good friends, and I never did anything to injure you. And I was always willing to help you spend your money when I hadn't too much of my own to dispose of."